Dove Cameron Recalls Her First-Ever Gig Performing with Ryan Gosling’s Halloween Band: ‘I Still Listen to It’

Dove Cameron Reflects on Her First Performance with Ryan Gosling’s Halloween Band

Believe it or not, Dove Cameron once shared the stage with none other than Ryan Gosling. In a recent interview on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, the 29-year-old “Too Much” musician reminisced about her first-ever paid gig, which involved performing alongside Gosling and Zach Shields in their gothic duo Dead Man’s Bones during her early years.

Describing the experience, Cameron fondly recalled, “Funny enough, the first gig I got was for Ryan Gosling’s Halloween band. And it is incredible. He can do everything.” The band called Dead Man’s Bones, known for its eerie tracks like “Lose Your Soul” and “In the Room Where You Sleep,” released a self-titled album in 2009.

Cameron disclosed that she still listens to their music, describing it as experimental and unique. She joined the group as part of a “ghostly children’s choir” for a performance while growing up on Bainbridge Island in Washington. Though she had dabbled in local theater productions before, the Dead Man’s Bones gig marked her first official paid job, where she earned around $120.

The performance took place at an adults-only underground club during the band’s tour, where local young singers like Cameron were recruited by Gosling and Shields. Following this gig, Cameron’s career soared when she landed the lead role in Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie, which even won her an Emmy Award. Subsequently, she starred in the Descendants franchise and Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon!, establishing herself not only as an actress but also as a successful musician.

Reflecting on her journey, Cameron shared how her parents had initially envisioned a career in film and television for her. Despite her parents’ support, she expressed a strong determination to pursue her passion, eventually leading her to the diverse roles she’s known for today. The experience with Dead Man’s Bones served as a stepping stone in her career, propelling her towards greater opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Throughout the interview, Cameron highlighted the impact of that initial gig on her trajectory as an artist, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and following one’s dreams. Her story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the potential for unexpected collaborations to shape a career.

In conclusion, Dove Cameron’s recollection of her time performing with Ryan Gosling’s Halloween band sheds light on the early experiences that paved the way for her subsequent success as a multi-talented performer. From a modest beginning in a ghostly choir to becoming a household name in the entertainment world, Cameron’s journey is a reminder of the magic that can unfold when passion and opportunity intersect in unexpected ways.